Case Number 22590: Small Claims Court

AFRICAN CATS (BLU-RAY)

The Charge

Roooooaaaaaaarrrrrrrr!

The Case

Following Earth and Oceans, DisneyNature's series of big-screen
documentaries exploring the natural wonders of our world continues with
African Cats (Blu-ray), a visually engaging adventure following two cat
families as they strive to survive in Kenya's vast Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Boasting incredible high-definition images paired with an appropriate soundtrack
and mostly entertaining narration, the film serves as a perfect viewing
experience for families eager to discover the grandeur of the wild.

Directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill, African Cats
focuses primarily on the power of motherhood in the wilderness. Narrated by
Samuel L. Jackson, the film follows two mothers as they raise their cubs and
teach them everything there is to know in order to survive on their own. One of
the two stories in the movie introduces viewers to Layla, a fearless River Pride
lioness who, despite several battle injuries, stops at nothing to protect her
daughter Mara from the mighty claws of Kali, a determined lion looking to expand
his kingdom.

The second main character is a courageous cheetah named Sita, who goes above
and beyond to teach her newborn cubs to hunt for food and protect themselves
against angry lions or hungry hyenas. For both Layla and Sita, bonding with
their young ones and steering them away from danger count among their top
priorities as they grow older, and Disney's African Cats offers audiences
a thrilling look at how exactly these mighty cats survive in the treacherous
savannah.

The most crucial evidence I can present in this case is the abundance of
glorious footage you get to experience in African Cats. The film is a
true feast for the eyes, and viewers are treated to fantastic images of
incredible animal action. From shots of cheetahs creeping up on and attacking
their prey to sequences detailing the interactions between lions or lionesses
and their cubs, DisneyNature's latest documentary flourishes with memorable
visuals you simply can't help but be impressed by.

While the film would've probably worked just as well with a little less
narration, Jackson's commentaries make it easier for the filmmakers to tell a
complete story. That said, Jackson occasionally adds a little too much of a
dramatic tone to his voice and pronunciation, which older spectators may
interpret as a little annoying. The kids, however, will probably love it. Like
many other documentaries, African Cats includes both intense and quiet
moments, balancing the tension that slowly builds when the cats gear up to hunt
or protect themselves against predators with the peace that returns when the
mothers play with their cubs or embark on a new journey.

Fothergill and Scholey keep things interesting throughout the movie's
89-minute running time, with both cuteness and scenes generating stronger
emotions. In the end, though, all that really matters in African Cats
(Blu-ray) is the mesmerizing high-definition footage. Speaking of visuals,
Disney's Blu-ray edition of the movie does the photography justice. Presented in
a 1.78:1 non-anamorphic 1080p presentation, the film boasts an incredibly clear
image quality with solid colors, excellent vibrance and clarity, and decent
contrast. Fantastic images really deserve a fantastic technical quality, and
African Cats (Blu-ray) has it all. In terms of audio, the DTS-HD Master
Audio 5.1 surround track doesn't disappoint either.

The bonus material on this disc lacks appeal. The only interesting extra is
a feature called "Filmmakers Annotations," which gives you access to
additional information, clips, and interviews while you watch the main feature.
Other than that, all you'll find in the special features section are a music
video, a short clip promoting the preservation of the savannah, and a quick
promotional piece on Disney's commitment to protect our planet.

Loyal fans of animal documentaries will instantly fall in love with
African Cats, another compelling DisneyNature project that looks amazing
on Blu-ray. Despite the occasionally overbearing narration, this film has plenty
of amazing stuff to offer. Plus, it's the perfect Sunday afternoon diversion for
both parents and their children.